FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEKLY FEATURES

Week 9 Injury Update #1 Philip Gentles
October 31, 2006

Tatum Bell, RB, DEN
Bilateral Turf Toe

Huddle Up: Broncos' RB Tatum Bell left in the first half of Sunday's game against the Colts after aggravating a painful turf toe problem. Bell admitted to reporters that he has been dealing with turf toe in both of his feet for several weeks and that it became difficult to push off and cut while he ran the football on Sunday. He did play in the second half but he was limited to only a couple of carries and Mike Bell, who replaced him as the featured back, went on to have a big day. According to reports Tatum Bell's toes were still very sore on Monday and head coach Mike Shanahan indicated that he would be limited in practice this week. This is the kind of injury that can linger all season. His status for Week 9 is currently unknown but even if he's able to play it looks like his involvement in the offense will be limited for at least one week.

Reggie Bush, RB, NO
Sprained Ankle

Huddle Up: Saints' rookie RB Reggie Bush aggravated a lingering left ankle sprain during Sunday's game, however the injury is not considered serious and the team's medical staff expects him to play in next weekend's game. Bush told reporters that he originally injured his ankle in Week 1 and that the problem has lingered all season. He said that his ankle was improving prior to the game however he aggravated it on a reception in the fourth quarter and after limping off the field he did not return. Bush was examined on Monday morning and the X-rays were reportedly negative and an MRI showed no significant structural damage. There is a good chance that he will be held out of practice on Wednesday as a precaution, but he should be back on the field on Thursday or Friday and it looks like he will be ready to play next Sunday against the Bucs.

Donald Driver, WR, GB
Sprained Ankle

Huddle Up: Packers' WR Donald Driver appears to be OK after spraining his ankle during Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Driver reportedly rolled his ankle in the second half but after missing only a handful of plays to have it examined he was cleared to return to the field. He was seen limping after a couple of plays but he did finish the game. Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Driver's injury is not considered serious and that he expected him to play in Week 9.

Maurice Hicks, RB, SF
Concussion

Huddle Up: 49ers' RB Maurice Hicks suffered what the team is classifying as a concussion during Sunday's game against the Bears and his status for the team's next game is questionable. The coaching staff did not say how the injury occurred and they won't know if he will be ready to play in Week 9 until they reevaluate him later in the week. It sounds like if all goes as planned Hicks should be cleared for contact in time for the 49ers' next game but check back on Friday for an update just in case.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
Sprained Knee

Huddle Up: Giants' RB Brandon Jacobs hyperextended his knee during Sunday's game against the Bucs, however he remained on the field and he finished the game. Jacobs apparently suffered a sprain on the hyperextension, but the injury is considered minor and there is a good chance that he will be allowed to practice on Wednesday. The team isn't concerned and they expect him to be healthy and active for next weekend's game against the Texans.

David Martin, TE, GB
Bruised Jaw

Huddle Up: X-rays done on the jaw of Packers' TE David Martin following Sunday's game were negative and according to head coach David Martin he should be fine for Week 9 action. McCarthy did not say how the injury occurred and they didn't think that it was serious however the medical staff wanted to take a closer look to make sure that it wasn't broken. Martin's jaw is fine and it looks like he will be healthy enough to play next weekend.

Vernand Morency, RB, GB
Undisclosed Lower Back Injury

Huddle Up: According to reports Packers' RB Vernand Morency will miss at least two weeks with an undisclosed lower back injury that occurred in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that he wasn't really sure how or when Morency got hurt but it is clear that this injury is more than just a bruise of a muscle strain. We will keep you posted but don't expect him back until at least Week 10.

Brian Westbrook, RB, PHI
Sprained Ankle

Huddle Up: Eagles' RB Brian Westbrook left Sunday's game with a sprained left ankle, but the injury was not serious and he was able to return to the field. Westbrook was hurt running the football in the third quarter and he was examined and treated on the sideline after limping off the field. He did return to the field but he was clearly hobbling around between plays. According to reports Westbrook was feeling a bit sore on Monday, but with the Eagles' off this week he will have extra time to rest and recover and he should be ready to play in Week 10.